The team at the Sarah Moore, Elm Road, were devastated in October when they were told the pub would close for good ahead of plans for it to be transformed into housing.
A closing down party was held on January 4 with dozens of residents coming together to bid farewell to the pub.
Relieved – The pair were devastated by the news that they would have to close (Image: The Sarah Moore)However, after an outpouring of sadness from the community, it has now been announced that landlords Will Farrell and Charley Costello have been given a new one-year lease – with the potential to extend to ten years.
They will host a grand re-opening on January 20.
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“Now that we’re going alone, Charley and I will be the only fully independent pub in Leigh,” said Will.
“We’re planning a big shake-up to our branding and will be working closely with AU Vodka as well as local breweries such as the Leigh on Sea Brewery to provide a lot more diversity than we previously have.”
Events – The pub is well known for screening major sport events (Image: The Sarah Moore)
Having run the Sarah Moore since December 2022, Charley and Will were devastated to discover that they would need to find a new pub after the building’s owner decided to redevelop the site.
As part of the deal to save the pub, the ground floor will no longer be developed for housing and will remain commercial space.
Community – Will, pictured far right, with pub regulars (Image: The Sarah Moore)
Charley and Will have been given a 12-month lease to prove that they can make a success of the pub without brewery Marston attached.
“It’s really positive news and while we’re obviously going to give it a real go, we also need the support of the community in Leigh to help us make the business as successful as possible,” said Will.
“We no longer have to answer to anyone which means we’re going to be able to do cheaper prices than before.”
Will says the couple are on the lookout for opportunities to work with other local independent businesses and that they are keen to support their fellow traders wherever possible.